3 Big Life Lessons + Super Secret Puppy Chow Recipe

"Mom, you won't believe what Mia did today," she says with a hurt tone.

I look in the rearview mirror as we pull away from school,"Why? What happened?"

"At snack time she asked Rose and I if we wanted some puppy chow and then when we reached for it, she said, 'I asked if you wanted some puppy chow, I didn't say you could have some.' and then laughed."

I sit for a moment, knowing this is the elementary 101 lesson, an intro to the mean-tween middle school years. As we chat about the situation, I try to keep the conversation on the positive life lessons we can learn from the situation vs focusing on Mia's behavior...

1. Make your own path.

If you're unhappy with the outcome of a situation, make your own path.

On the way home from school we stop at the grocery store and buy our own puppy chow ingredients.

2. Be kind.

I tell the girls, "Remember how you felt today and always be kind."

3. Family always comes first.

As we make the puppy chow we talk about how family always comes first in any situation, "That we always support our sister in a tough situation, especially at school when Mom and Dad are not there to help."

Quietly Thankful

We sit on the couch, snuggling and munching puppy chow as we watch one of our favorite shows together. They crunch and I sit quietly thankful.

Thankful they have each other.

Thankful they are sweet natured.

Thankful for the small opportunity to teach such big life lessons.

Be sure to check out super secret puppy chow recipe below.

Nom. Nom. Nom.

Super Secret Puppy Chow Recipe

Yield: 10 cups

Prep Time: 7 minutes

Cook Time: 2 minutes

Total Time: 9 minutes

This tiny measurement change makes puppy chow even more delicious.

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Ingredients

• 9 cups Rice Chex™
• 1 cup Semisweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup Peanut butter
• ¼ cup Butter
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla
• 3 cups Powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Measure cereal; set aside in a large bowl.
2. In a glass bowl, microwave chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter uncovered on High for 1 minute and then stir. Microwave in 30 seconds intervals until mixture can be stirred smooth.
3. Stir in vanilla.
4. Pour sweet mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated.
5. Pour half of the powdered sugar into a large paper grocery bag. Add coated cereal and pour remaining powdered sugar on top.
6. Shake, shake, shake.
7. Eat immediately.
8. Store in an airtight container.

Nutrition Information

Yield 10 Serving Size 1
Amount Per Serving Calories 515Total Fat 17gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 12mgSodium 102mgCarbohydrates 87gFiber 2gSugar 43gProtein 7g

Disclaimer: Nutrition calculation is automatically calculated and may be inaccurate.

This recipe was inspired by my friend Yumiko (thank you!) from the Chex™ Muddy Buddies™. See the original recipe here.

I'm telling you, that extra powdered sugar will have you labeled as the "mom who makes the best puppy chow." Enjoy!

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